World champion Zhang Jie of China missed the podium, finishing in fourth place.

Kim did a victory dance after the snatch, where he lifted 153 kilograms in his third attempt, equaling the world record and setting a new Olympic mark.

Zhang only managed 140 kilograms in the snatch, failing two attempts at 145, putting him virtually out of reach of the gold medal heading into the clean and jerk.

Kim solidified his lead by clearing 170 kilograms in his first clean and jerk, before loading the barbell with 174 kilograms, with the aim of breaking Zhang's world record total of 326 kilograms. He succeeded in his last lift, sending the crowd roaring in the ExCeL center.